Chapter Summaries

Chapter Summary: “Entering the Dao Through Zither”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ziji returns home and hears extraordinarily beautiful zither music being played in the courtyard. The music deeply affects everyone nearby, awakening memories and emotions.
• The performance causes Su Ziji to briefly relive the innocence and uncertainty of his first love from his previous life. The experience reminds him painfully that he has lived two lifetimes and can never return to his youth.
• The Rosewood Pendant reveals that the music represents “Entering the Dao Through Zither.” It strengthens both Su Ziji’s Coiling Dragon Heart Method and Crimson Palace True Inscription Elixir Method.
• Su Ziji realizes that Zhou Yao has crossed the threshold into the Dao through her zither art. Her breakthrough causes the snow-covered trees to show signs of spring, symbolizing the power of her achievement.
• Ye Buhui, who is pursuing the Dao through chess, recognizes the greatness of Zhou Yao’s performance. Zhou Yao’s mysterious breakthrough is accompanied by an otherworldly sound resembling a dragon’s cry or phoenix’s call.
• After the music ends, Ye Buhui asks Zhou Yao to teach her the piece. Zhou Yao agrees on the condition that Ye Buhui teach her chess, creating a mutual exchange between their artistic paths.
• Su Ziji enters the courtyard and praises Zhou Yao’s improvement. He invites her to perform at an upcoming literary gathering.
• Zhou Yao initially hesitates because of concerns about reputation and public gossip. Su Ziji offers a discreet arrangement in which she performs from behind a curtain, and Ye Buhui accompanies her. Zhou Yao accepts.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji: His cultivation has made him resistant to emotional influences, but Zhou Yao’s music briefly breaks through his defenses and reconnects him with forgotten feelings from his past life. He also gains deeper insight into artistic paths of cultivation and shows consideration in accommodating Zhou Yao’s social concerns.
• Zhou Yao: She achieves a major breakthrough, entering the Dao through zither music. Her focused performance and emotional intensity demonstrate her growth as an artist and cultivator. She also forms a reciprocal learning relationship with Ye Buhui.
• Ye Buhui: Her admiration for Zhou Yao’s music deepens, and she becomes eager to learn the piece. She continues pursuing the Dao through chess while developing a friendship and intellectual partnership with Zhou Yao.
• Su Ziji and Ye Buhui: Their warm, familiar interaction reveals their close relationship. Zhou Yao notices this bond with a trace of envy, imagining how her own marriage might have been different if Shao were still alive.
• Little Fox and Big Fox: They sense the significance of Zhou Yao’s breakthrough, though Little Fox’s attempts to react during the chess session are quickly restrained.

Significant Themes

• Art as a path to transcendence: Zither, chess, calligraphy, and painting are presented as potential means of entering the Dao when mastered by exceptional individuals.
• The power of music: Zhou Yao’s performance affects emotions, awakens memories, transforms the natural environment, and creates spiritual insight.
• Memory and the passage of time: Su Ziji’s reaction to the music highlights the distance between his former and current lives and the impossibility of reclaiming lost youth.
• Mutual learning and companionship: Zhou Yao and Ye Buhui agree to exchange knowledge, showing how different artistic disciplines can enrich one another.
• Social expectations and reputation: Zhou Yao’s hesitation reflects the restrictions placed on women and the importance of public propriety, while Su Ziji’s solution allows her to participate without compromising her reputation.
• Unfulfilled love and longing: Zhou Yao’s envy and thoughts of her deceased husband reveal unresolved grief and a desire for the respectful companionship she sees between Su Ziji and Ye Buhui.

Character Interactions

• Su Ziji listens to Zhou Yao’s performance and is emotionally moved despite his cultivated mental defenses.
• Ye Buhui enthusiastically praises Zhou Yao, grasps her hand, and asks to learn the zither piece.
• Zhou Yao agrees to teach Ye Buhui in exchange for chess lessons, establishing a friendly and mutually beneficial relationship.
• Su Ziji compliments Zhou Yao, invites her to his literary gathering, and reassures her by arranging for her to perform behind a curtain.
• Su Ziji also encourages Ye Buhui to attend the gathering with Zhou Yao, giving both women an opportunity to leave the residence and spend time together.

Su Ziji learned that the Wild Daoist’s bellows method kept seafood alive during transport and visited Dream Fate Tower’s trial opening with Ye Buhui and Zhou Yao. Customers praised the fresh seafood and soup, leaving the new restaurant’s prospects looking promising.

• Su Ziji and Ye Buhui spoke about his warmer attitude toward Zhou Yao, and he encouraged Ye Buhui to spend more time with her.
• The Wild Daoist reported that pumping air with bellows had kept most of the transported sea fish alive and that Dream Fate Tower’s trial opening was drawing academy students.
• Su Ziji invited Ye Buhui and Zhou Yao to sample the restaurant’s live seafood and had the Wild Daoist join them.
• Su Ziji and the others entered Dream Fate Tower through a side entrance and took their reserved seats on the third floor.
• Su Ziji overheard diners praise the seafood’s freshness and the mixed-pot soup as he waited for their meal.

Chapter Summary: “Crying Hardship”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wild Daoist reports that the seafood tasting was highly successful. Most guests praised the dishes, especially those containing the restaurant’s secret “insect powder,” and he predicts that Dream Fate Tower’s seafood business will prosper.
• Su Ziji recognizes that the tasting guests—mostly nobles, officials, scholars, and wealthy visitors—will provide valuable word-of-mouth publicity. Their praise should attract even more customers when the restaurant officially opens.
• Ye Buhui and Zhou Yao enjoy the food, with Zhou Yao particularly impressed by the exceptional freshness of the seafood.
• Su Ziji reflects on Wild Daoist’s abilities and on the role of fate in bringing people together.
• Zhao Eunuch arrives at the restaurant in disguise with several young eunuchs. He has evidently been monitoring Su Ziji and comes to inspect Dream Fate Tower’s operations on behalf of the Emperor.
• Zhao Eunuch initially criticizes the cooking as somewhat careless, but he is surprised by the freshness of the fish and soup. He concludes that Su Ziji must possess unusual methods for preserving and preparing seafood.
• While dining, Zhao Eunuch discusses Su Ziji’s growing business empire. With several restaurants, Su Ziji could earn tens of thousands of taels annually—an income comparable to that of imperial princes.
• Zhao Eunuch leaves after confirming the restaurant’s potential and is expected to report his observations to the Emperor.
• Su Ziji realizes that his growing wealth and success may attract excessive imperial attention. He decides that he must deliberately present himself as facing financial difficulties—“cry hardship”—to reduce suspicion and redirect the Emperor’s focus.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji demonstrates strategic foresight. He understands that business success strengthens his position but may also make him appear too powerful or wealthy. His decision to feign hardship reveals his ability to balance public success with political caution.
• Wild Daoist proves himself a capable and adaptable subordinate, successfully organizing the tasting and publicity campaign. Su Ziji reflects that he might have achieved even more had he entered commerce rather than joined gangs.
• Zhao Eunuch shifts from skepticism to admiration. His careful inspection of the food and his calculations about Su Ziji’s income show that he sees Su as an increasingly formidable and ambitious figure.
• Ye Buhui and Zhou Yao remain largely unaware of the political implications of Zhao Eunuch’s visit, focusing instead on enjoying the meal.
• Zhou Yao openly appreciates the seafood’s freshness, reinforcing the restaurant’s main selling point.

Significant Themes

• Success as both opportunity and danger: The restaurant’s prosperity improves Su Ziji’s influence but risks provoking suspicion from the Emperor and court.
• Publicity and reputation: Su Ziji relies on elite customers to spread praise and establish Dream Fate Tower’s reputation before its official opening.
• Political survival through deception: Su Ziji plans to conceal his true financial strength by pretending to struggle, showing that appearing weak can be safer than appearing powerful.
• Fate and human connections: Su Ziji reflects that chance and destiny determine how people meet and become allies.
• Commerce as political power: Wealth from business can rival aristocratic income, making commercial success a significant source of influence.

Character Interactions

• Wild Daoist reports the tasting results to Su Ziji, who praises his competence internally.
• Ye Buhui encourages Zhou Yao to ignore the surrounding conversations and focus on the food.
• Zhao Eunuch and the young eunuchs discuss Dream Fate Tower’s advertising, seafood quality, and Su Ziji’s growing wealth.
• Su Ziji secretly listens to Zhao Eunuch’s conversation from behind a screen but conceals the encounter from Ye Buhui and Zhou Yao.
• At the chapter’s end, Su Ziji announces his plan to “cry hardship,” leaving everyone around him confused because his visible success seems to contradict any claim of financial difficulty.

Su Ziji decided to hold a snow-viewing literary gathering and sent invitations to scholars in the Capital City. Some recipients feared that attending would draw them into the succession struggle, while Jian Qu visited Yao Xun for an unclear purpose.

• Su Ziji announced a literary gathering, and Zhou Yao left after affirming that repaying Su Ziji was like repaying her benefactor.
• Zhang Qingfang praised the fresh seafood at Dream Fate Tower after dining there.
• A messenger invited Zhang Qingfang to Su Ziji's literary gathering, but Huang Fu persuaded him to decline to avoid political suspicion.
• Jian Qu arrived at the Yao Residence, and Yao Xun welcomed him despite not remembering their past meeting.

Jian Qu invited Yao Xun to the Marquis of Dai's literary gathering, while Su Ziji assessed the guest list and sought information about the princes' households. The chapter ended with Su Ziji preparing to give the Wild Daoist a new task.

• Jian Qu reminded Yao Xun that they had met on a boat on the Ji River seven years earlier and invited him to the Marquis of Dai's literary gathering.
• Yao Xun accepted the invitation to attend the gathering in five days.
• Jian Qu reported that three of the seven people he invited had agreed to attend, while Zhao Zhu reported that around a dozen examination candidates had accepted.
• Su Ziji studied the guest lists and worried that many people were attending because of the crown prince's influence.
• The Wild Daoist gave Su Ziji lists of information about Prince Qi, the princes of Shu and Lu, and various ministers and nobles.
• Su Ziji praised the Wild Daoist's work and said he had something for him to do immediately.

Steward Chen accepted a silver purse from a stranger and, at a brothel, implied that attending the Marquis of Dai’s literary gathering meant opposing Prince Qi. The Wild Daoist arranged for the rumor of hostility between the two nobles to spread across the Capital City, though he did not understand his lord’s intentions.

• A disguised stranger gave Steward Chen ten taels of silver as thanks for past help, but left before Chen could ask who his master was.
• At a brothel, Steward Chen overheard guests praise the Marquis of Dai’s upcoming literary gathering and angrily asked whether they meant to reject Prince Qi’s gathering.
• The guests feared that attending the Marquis of Dai’s event would draw their families into a conflict with Prince Qi, and several hurried away to warn their relatives and acquaintances.
• Other drinkers condemned Prince Qi for treating the Marquis of Dai as an enemy, while one companion urged a drunken speaker to stop judging the nobles.
• The Wild Daoist told his followers to spread the story at the Imperial Academy, teahouses, and storytelling venues so everyone in the Capital City would hear within two or three days.

Chapter Summary: “Dragon’s Roar”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Multiple invited guests begin withdrawing from the literary gathering at the Dai Marquis Residence. The Yao Residence is the third to decline, claiming that its master, Yao Xun, has left the capital on family business.
• Jian Qu learns that rumors are circulating throughout the capital: attending the gathering would mean offending Prince Qi. Since Prince Qi is a powerful contender for the throne, many scholars and officials are too frightened to attend.
• Jian Qu worries that a poorly attended gathering will humiliate the Dai Marquis and damage the residence’s reputation, especially because it is the marquis’s first major public event after being entered into the imperial register.
• Cen Rubai advises keeping the withdrawals secret from Su Ziji for the moment. Jian Qu decides to invite respected Provincial Graduates and Cultivated Talents instead of officials, hoping to assemble enough attendees before the gathering in four days.
• Wild Daoist overhears this plan and goes to question Su Ziji about his earlier order to bribe Steward Chen of Prince Qi’s Residence. The bribe led Chen to spread rumors that people who attended the gathering would offend Prince Qi.
• Su Ziji appears unconcerned, quietly arranging a game record. His true purpose is revealed indirectly: he deliberately created a crisis that makes the Dai Marquis Residence appear weak while laying a trap for Prince Qi. Because the humiliation seems genuine, even suspicious observers are unlikely to suspect Su Ziji’s involvement.
• At the same time, Su Ziji’s cultivation technique levels up. The improvement in the Coiling Dragon Heart Method grants him increased aptitude and advances his Literary Heart Carving Dragon ability.
• The upgrade triggers a powerful dragon’s roar connected to Coiling Dragon Lake. At the restored Dragon Maiden Shrine, Old Man Sun hears the roar, and people across the area instinctively turn toward the lake.
• Su Ziji senses a surge of mysterious authority and observes sunlight breaking through the clouds directly onto him, suggesting that his influence or divine power has expanded.
• His new ability, “A Few Words,” allows him to make someone speak one or two specific sentences in a suitable environment without arousing suspicion. This is more precise and powerful than his previous ability, which could only influence emotions and indirectly affect what someone said.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji is shown to be calculating and willing to sacrifice his public reputation to manipulate Prince Qi and create a larger strategic advantage. His cultivation and supernatural abilities also continue to grow.
• Jian Qu becomes increasingly frustrated and anxious as influential guests withdraw. His concern centers on protecting the Dai Marquis Residence’s honor.
• Cen Rubai demonstrates composure and political awareness by identifying fear of Prince Qi as the cause of the refusals and proposing a practical response.
• Wild Daoist becomes suspicious of Su Ziji’s hidden strategy. He recognizes that the apparent loss of face may actually be part of a deliberate scheme.
• Old Man Sun’s disciple has returned from punishment and is now obedient and diligent, relieving Old Man Sun of his loneliness and worry.
• Old Man Sun remains connected to the supernatural events around Coiling Dragon Lake and is the first person shown to perceive the dragon’s roar.

Significant Themes

• Political fear and influence: Prince Qi’s power is strong enough to control social behavior without issuing a direct order; mere rumors keep people away from Su Ziji’s gathering.
• Strategic sacrifice: Su Ziji deliberately allows his residence to appear weak, valuing a long-term trap over immediate prestige.
• Public reputation versus hidden power: The chapter contrasts visible humiliation with Su Ziji’s concealed gains in authority, cultivation, and political positioning.
• Manipulation through language: The new “A Few Words” ability emphasizes the power of speech and the ability to shape events by controlling what people say.
• Emerging divine authority: The dragon’s roar, the reaction at Coiling Dragon Lake, and the sunlight surrounding Su Ziji suggest that his connection to supernatural or divine power is becoming stronger.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Zhu receives repeated refusals and directs the visiting stewards to Jian Qu.
• Jian Qu vents his anger to Cen Rubai, who explains the political reason behind the withdrawals and helps formulate a solution.
• Wild Daoist reflects on Su Ziji’s actions and questions the meaning of the bribe to Prince Qi’s steward, though Su Ziji does not directly explain himself.
• Old Man Sun interacts affectionately with his repentant disciple before both become aware of the dragon’s roar.
• Su Ziji is briefly brought out of his trance by Wild Daoist, then immediately examines the new power granted by his cultivation breakthrough.

Chapter Summary: “Fragments of a Word”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ziji reflects on the terrifying potential of the level-15 Coiling Dragon Heart Method, which can manipulate people’s emotions and even control their speech. He realizes this may represent power returning to its original owner and hints at the frightening nature of a true Demon King.
• He notes that his aptitude has increased, apparently reaching a limit of twenty points, but sets the matter aside to focus on his political strategy.
• Su orders the Wild Daoist, also called Mr. Lu, to stop spreading rumors through the Prince Qi’s Residence steward. The rumors have already sufficiently disturbed the Capital City, and continuing could expose their involvement.
• Su assigns the Wild Daoist a new mission: observe the little eunuch frequently accompanying Zhao Eunuch. Rather than contacting him directly, the Wild Daoist only needs to come within three zhang of him, suggesting Su has a hidden method or purpose in mind.
• Su plans to contact Steward Chen, who is currently purchasing cloth, and deliberately refuses to inform Jian Qu, Cen Rubai, or Madam about his true plans.
• Su explains that he intends to appear weak at the upcoming literary gathering in order to reduce the Emperor’s suspicion. However, he emphasizes that he is only “showing weakness,” not conceding defeat.
• The chapter ends as Su and the Wild Daoist approach Steward Chen, who is bargaining aggressively with a cloth merchant over fabric for third-rank servants’ clothing.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji is revealed as increasingly calculating, self-controlled, and politically mature. He is willing to sacrifice his dignity and allow his household to appear humiliated if doing so protects his position and secures greater long-term gains.
• He demonstrates an understanding of court politics: being the Crown Prince’s son and receiving a noble title brings benefits but also makes him a target of imperial suspicion.
• The Wild Daoist grows in admiration of Su Ziji. He recognizes that Su’s willingness to undermine his own reputation is an exceptionally ruthless and sophisticated strategy. He also realizes how close they came to becoming complacent after Su’s elevation.
• The Wild Daoist remains cautious and practical, initially doubting his ability to approach Zhao Eunuch’s attendant but accepting the easier surveillance mission.
• Steward Chen is characterized as shrewd, frugal, and experienced in negotiation, pressing the cloth merchant for the lowest possible price.

Significant Themes

• Power and restraint: Su recognizes that overwhelming power can be dangerous and that true strength requires control rather than constant display.
• Political deception and strategic weakness: Appearing vulnerable can be more useful than openly demonstrating strength, especially when powerful authorities are becoming suspicious.
• Sacrifice of personal pride: Su’s willingness to endure public embarrassment illustrates the importance of long-term survival over reputation.
• Appearance versus reality: Outsiders believe the Marquis Residence is collapsing, while Su is secretly manipulating events. Those who think they are observing his downfall are themselves being used.
• Loyalty and political awareness: The Wild Daoist’s growing understanding of Su’s plans strengthens his loyalty and admiration.

Character Interactions

• Su gives the Wild Daoist precise instructions regarding the rumor campaign and the surveillance of Zhao Eunuch’s little eunuch, clarifying the mission when the Daoist misunderstands it.
• Su and the Wild Daoist discuss whether to inform Jian Qu, Cen Rubai, and Madam about the plan to appear weak. Su deliberately withholds the truth so their efforts will appear genuine.
• The Wild Daoist internally reassesses Su’s character, concluding that his master possesses an unusual level of patience, ruthlessness, and political insight.
• At the cloth shop, Steward Chen bargains with the merchant, refusing to accept the stated price and threatening to purchase elsewhere. The interaction establishes Chen’s practical role and sets up Su’s impending contact with him.

Chapter Summary: “Tit for Tat”

Plot Points and Events

• A cloth-shop owner tries to preserve his lucrative business with Prince Qi’s Residence after Steward Chen suddenly pressures him to lower his prices. He gives Chen a purse of banknotes, and Chen agrees to keep the original arrangement.
• On the way back, Steward Chen becomes increasingly anxious about his earlier behavior. He fears rumors about the literary gathering will reach Prince Qi and that the prince will punish him for mishandling or concealing the matter.
• Returning to the residence, Chen reports routine affairs to Prince Qi. When asked what he has heard outside, he carefully mentions the rumors that Marquis of Dai—Su Ziji—will host a literary gathering likely to attract many attendees.
• Chen then takes a risky opportunity to redirect the rumors. He argues that people are only interested in Dai’s gathering because Prince Qi has not organized one himself, suggesting that the newly elevated marquis should not be allowed to outshine a prince.
• Rather than punishing Chen for speaking boldly, Prince Qi is persuaded. He decides to hold his own literary gathering at the same time as Su Ziji’s, using his status to compete directly with him.
• Prince Qi orders Chen to discover the Dai Marquis Residence’s date and guest list, then issue invitations in Prince Qi’s name to the same people. His goal is to force everyone to choose between attending the prince’s gathering and supporting Su Ziji.

Character Developments

• Steward Chen is shown as opportunistic but deeply fearful. He accepts the cloth merchant’s bribe, then worries about both his corruption and his possible failure to serve Prince Qi properly. His fear drives him to manipulate the situation, turning dangerous rumors into a plan that benefits him.
• Prince Qi appears confident and politically aggressive. He sees Su Ziji’s gathering not as a harmless social event but as a challenge connected to the larger struggle for imperial succession. His decision to hold a simultaneous gathering reveals his desire to suppress Su before the younger man gains influence.
• Su Ziji does not appear directly, but his growing reputation and status are emphasized. His literary gathering is powerful enough to provoke Prince Qi’s jealousy and become a political confrontation.
• The cloth-shop owner demonstrates the dependence of merchants and household suppliers on influential patrons. He sacrifices profit to maintain access to the Prince’s Residence.

Significant Themes

• Power and influence: A literary gathering becomes a contest of political authority, showing how social prestige can reinforce claims to power.
• Fear and self-preservation: Steward Chen’s anxiety leads him to flatter, bribe, conceal information, and manipulate Prince Qi.
• Corruption and patronage: The exchange between Chen and the cloth merchant reveals how business at the prince’s residence depends on unofficial payments and personal favor.
• Political rivalry: Prince Qi interprets Su Ziji’s public success as a challenge in the broader struggle for the throne.
• Manipulation and unintended consequences: Chen invents a justification to protect himself, but his words escalate the situation into an open competition between Prince Qi and Su Ziji.

Character Interactions

• The cloth merchant placates Steward Chen with money, securing the continuation of his business.
• Steward Chen reports to Prince Qi while hiding his true concern and carefully testing the prince’s reaction.
• Chen subtly provokes Prince Qi by comparing Su Ziji’s gathering with one the prince could host.
• Prince Qi accepts Chen’s suggestion and turns it into a deliberate countermeasure, ordering Chen to duplicate Su Ziji’s invitations and schedule.

Jian Qu and Cen Rubai learned that Prince Qi’s rival literary gathering had driven most invitees away, but Su Ziji went ahead with his own event five days later on a pleasure barge. More than forty guests attended, though the recognized literary talents were still watching and waiting.

• Jian Qu and Cen Rubai reported that Prince Qi’s gathering had caused most scholars to decline the Marquis of Dai’s invitation.
• Su Ziji decided to hold the literary gathering as planned five days later, hoping the emperor would learn of his actions.
• Su Ziji hosted more than forty guests aboard a lavish pleasure barge on the Bathing River.
• Jian Qu identified Zhang Lan and He Bingzhi as the gathering’s only recognized literary talents and explained that other promising guests were poor students.

Su Ziji hosted a sparse literary gathering aboard a pleasure barge while Eunuch Zhao secretly inspected it and compared it with the crowded gathering at Prince Qi’s Residence. Eunuch Zhao ordered his people to record the names of everyone entering the rival residence.

• Su Ziji noticed the struggling Provincial Graduates and told Jian Qu they could give them particular attention as he mingled with them.
• The Wild Daoist signaled that Eunuch Zhao had arrived, and Su Ziji went downstairs with Jian Qu to speak with the scholars.
• Eunuch Zhao boarded the pleasure barge in disguise, listened to the qin music, and saw Su Ziji patiently engaging with the humble scholars at the sparsely attended gathering.
• Eunuch Zhao left the barge and went to Prince Qi’s Residence, where he saw crowds of guests arriving.
• Eunuch Zhao ordered the young eunuch to have their people record the names of everyone entering Prince Qi’s Residence.

Eunuch Zhao investigated the scholars attending Prince Qi’s literary gathering while Sun Bolan misled Prince Qi about the rival gathering and further humiliated Wen Xunpeng. After realizing he could no longer bear serving Prince Qi, Wen Xunpeng considered leaving but feared the consequences of asking to go.

• Eunuch Zhao received a list detailing the backgrounds of the scholars at Prince Qi’s gathering and ordered the carriage back to the palace.
• Sun Bolan told Prince Qi that Marquis Dai’s gathering had attracted fewer than fifty guests and no notable Capital City scholars, making Prince Qi believe it had failed.
• Wen Xunpeng overheard Prince Qi and Sun Bolan discussing the rival gathering and sat alone, troubled by his recent loss of favor.
• Sun Bolan pressed Wen Xunpeng to drink several cups of cold wine and reminded him that he had taken over Wen Xunpeng’s courtyard.
• Wen Xunpeng vomited, then reflected on his mistreatment and decided he wanted to leave Prince Qi, though he feared his request might put him in danger.

The emperor compared the Marquis of Dai’s poorly attended literary gathering with Prince Qi’s influential one and sent gifts to Su Ziji and Ye Buhui. The empress also prepared gifts for her grandson, and the chapter ended with Su Ziji and Ye Buhui receiving the emperor’s edict during their banquet.

• The emperor read the attendance lists for the Marquis of Dai’s and Prince Qi’s literary gatherings and ordered jade ruyi scepters and Many Children, Much Fortune Jade Beads sent to Su Ziji and Ye Buhui.
• The empress sent Su Ziji a Daoist scripture, banknotes, and a deed to a five-hundred-mu farm for Ye Buhui’s approaching birthday.
• Ye Buhui showed Su Ziji a painting inspired by Zhou Yao’s zither playing, and Su Ziji wondered whether the music could grant people powerful abilities.
• Wild Daoist told Su Ziji that palace eunuchs were arriving with an imperial edict, so Su Ziji prepared an incense table.
• Eunuch Zhao announced the emperor’s gifts, and Su Ziji and Ye Buhui knelt to receive the edict and the presents.

Chapter Summary: “None Under Heaven Could Contend with Him”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ziji and Ye Buhui receive imperial rewards delivered by eunuchs from the Emperor and Empress. Among the gifts are farmland, silver, a Daoist Scripture, and a pair of jade ruyi scepters—symbols of imperial approval and favor.
• The rewards dramatically change the atmosphere of Su Ziji’s literary gathering. Guests who had come to assess, support, or spy on him realize that he possesses genuine legitimacy and strong backing from the imperial family.
• Su Ziji gives the five hundred mu of farmland and five thousand taels in banknotes to Ye Buhui, entrusting her with the management of the household.
• The Daoist Scripture initially appears ordinary, but Su Ziji notices fingernail marks beneath the line, “Only because he does not contend, none under heaven can contend with him.” He interprets this as a deliberate message from the Empress.
• Su Ziji reflects on the struggle for succession. He concludes that those who openly withdraw from the contest and those who form factions too aggressively are both eliminated. The best strategy is to avoid appearing ambitious while quietly accumulating influence.
• Before ending the gathering, Su Ziji announces that he will paint a Thousand Blessings Scroll for the Emperor and Empress. He invites the scholars to exchange valuable classical texts and paintings for materials he can use.
• The guests respond enthusiastically, increasingly impressed by Su Ziji’s humility, filial devotion, and political standing.
• Su Ziji and Ye Buhui return home late at night after the guests depart.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji demonstrates political intelligence and strategic restraint. He recognizes that the imperial decrees have successfully established his legitimacy and intends to use the gathering to attract talented supporters.
• He becomes more confident in his interpretation of the succession struggle, realizing that “non-contention” can be a powerful form of competition.
• Su Ziji also shows generosity and trust by placing the household’s new land and wealth under Ye Buhui’s control.
• Ye Buhui gains greater status as the acknowledged mistress of the household. She is pleased and embarrassed by the imperial gifts, especially the jade ornament associated with fertility and many blessings.
• Her relationship with Su Ziji becomes more affectionate and playful, shown by his teasing gesture and her shy reaction.
• He Bingzhi and Zhang Lan, along with other ambitious attendees, reassess Su Ziji as a potentially powerful figure worth supporting.
• The various spies and observers at the gathering are forced to revise their assumptions after seeing the Emperor and Empress openly favor Su Ziji.

Significant Themes

• Power through non-contention: The chapter argues that openly striving for power can lead to suspicion and elimination, while appearing detached may allow one to gain influence more safely.
• Imperial legitimacy and political symbolism: The jade ruyi scepters and other rewards matter less for their material value than for what they communicate about Su Ziji’s standing at court.
• Perception and reputation: The gathering’s success depends not on the number or rank of its attendees but on how the imperial recognition changes public perception of Su Ziji.
• Hidden guidance and political strategy: The Empress’s marked scripture suggests an indirect alliance or warning, showing how political messages may be conveyed through subtle gestures.
• Household prosperity and partnership: Su Ziji entrusts Ye Buhui with the family’s new resources, reinforcing her authority and their developing marital partnership.
• Investment and allegiance: The scholars attend not merely for culture but to choose which political figure might offer them advancement, highlighting the connection between scholarship and court politics.

Important Character Interactions

• The eunuchs’ formal delivery of the imperial decrees publicly validates Su Ziji before the scholars.
• Su Ziji and Ye Buhui discuss the management of the household, with him formally recognizing her authority.
• Su Ziji interprets the Empress’s marked scripture as a personal political message.
• Su Ziji addresses the examinees respectfully and invites cooperation, strengthening their admiration and encouraging them to offer rare texts and paintings.
• His affectionate teasing of Ye Buhui at the end of the chapter reveals growing intimacy between them.

Su Ziji opened the Dream Fate Tower and planned how to build support while avoiding suspicion that he belonged to the Crown Prince Party. Zhou Yao returned from his literary gathering, and a mysterious voice questioned her about Su Ziji as she quietly cultivated the Dao through zither.

• Su Ziji opened the Dream Fate Tower, whose success drew street thugs who complained about the food and demanded compensation; he assigned Jian Qu to handle them.
• Su Ziji explained that he needed to dispel suspicion of his ties to the Crown Prince Party, then asked the Wild Daoist to investigate prominent military officers for someone arrogant and lawless.
• The Wild Daoist named Fu Sangyun, Duan Yanxing, and Zhou Lu, and Su Ziji ordered him to find which officer could serve his plans.
• Zhou Yao told her father about the imperial rewards at Su Ziji's gathering, reassuring him that the emperor appeared to support the newly registered imperial grandson.
• As Zhou Yao walked through the residence, a mysterious voice asked whether she was moved by Su Ziji's prospects, while she continued silently cultivating the Dao through zither.

Chapter Summary: “Setting Things Right”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Cao Yiyan arrives secretly in the Kingdom of Ying with a small cavalry unit. Their horses’ hooves are wrapped in cotton so they can enter the city undetected.
• He meets Cao Pingfang, an elderly former Great Wei general who has spent thirty years preserving a remnant of the fallen dynasty in this remote borderland state.
• Cao Pingfang and his followers have remained loyal to Great Wei, despite repeated persecution by Great Zheng. The Kingdom of Ying has survived as a hidden base, covering roughly ten commanderies and containing nearly 980,000 people.
• Cao Yiyan reveals an imperial decree from Great Wei’s secret treasury, formally naming him Crown Prince. Cao Pingfang and three elderly ministers accept the decree and recognize Cao Yiyan’s legitimacy.
• The ministers provide Cao Yiyan with detailed intelligence about Ying’s population, military, administration, and political factions:
  • Approximately 197,000 households and 980,000 people
  • Around 30,000 soldiers
  • Cao Pingfang controls 8,000 troops
  • The Li Family has infiltrated about 5,000 soldiers and controls nearly two-thirds of the civil officials
  • The Chi and Kang Families are also suspected of harboring rebellious ambitions
• Cao Yiyan realizes that the Li Family and other powerful clans may soon seize control of Great Wei’s remaining foundation.
• Because his six hundred disguised troops may soon be discovered, Cao Yiyan proposes acting immediately. He plans to use the next morning’s court session to launch a decisive political and military takeover.
• The surviving ministers accept his command, setting the stage for Cao Yiyan to reclaim control of Ying and begin restoring Great Wei.

Character Developments

• Cao Yiyan demonstrates decisiveness, strategic awareness, and political legitimacy. Although moved by the loyalty and suffering of the old Wei loyalists, he quickly shifts from emotional reunion to practical planning.
• He recognizes the importance of Ying as the last surviving foundation of Great Wei and understands that hesitation could allow rival families to dominate the state.
• Cao Pingfang is portrayed as an unwavering and self-sacrificing loyalist. He feels guilt for failing to save Great Wei but is reassured by Cao Yiyan, who credits him with preserving the dynasty’s survival.
• The three elderly civil officials reinforce the image of a dwindling but committed generation of Great Wei loyalists. Their emotional acceptance of the decree shows how deeply they have awaited a legitimate successor.
• The Li, Chi, and Kang Families emerge as potential internal enemies, shifting the central conflict from merely opposing Great Zheng to also preventing fragmentation and betrayal within Ying.

Significant Themes

• Loyalty and perseverance: Cao Pingfang and the old ministers have maintained their allegiance for thirty years despite hardship, persecution, and the fall of their dynasty.
• Restoration and legitimacy: The imperial decree symbolizes the surviving authority of Great Wei and gives Cao Yiyan a basis for claiming the throne.
• The burden of inheritance: Cao Yiyan inherits not only a title but also the responsibility of reviving a fallen kingdom and honoring those who preserved it.
• Urgency versus decay: The remnant state has survived, but rival families are steadily infiltrating its military and bureaucracy. The chapter emphasizes that delayed action may make restoration impossible.
• Heaven’s mandate and historical continuity: The characters interpret Cao Yiyan’s arrival and the survival of Ying as evidence that Great Wei’s destiny has not yet ended.
• Political consolidation: The chapter introduces the challenge of uniting military forces and civil officials before factional families can transform themselves into independent powers.

Character Interactions

• Cao Pingfang kneels before Cao Yiyan and emotionally recognizes him as Crown Prince, creating a reunion between the old loyalist generation and the dynasty’s potential future.
• Cao Yiyan responds respectfully, helping Cao Pingfang to his feet and praising his foresight rather than accepting his self-condemnation.
• The exchange establishes mutual respect: Cao Pingfang offers loyalty and a preserved kingdom, while Cao Yiyan offers recognition, legitimacy, and renewed purpose.
• The three elderly ministers formally receive the imperial decree, affirming Cao Yiyan’s authority and emotionally reconnecting the hidden remnant state with Great Wei’s imperial line.
• When Cao Yiyan proposes immediate action at the next morning court, the ministers accept without hesitation, acknowledging him as their rightful leader and preparing to follow his command.

Chapter Summary: “Drowning in the Pond”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Winter grips the Capital City, but political tensions remain active beneath its prosperity.
• Jian Qu returns to the Dai Marquis Residence after resolving the problem of the hooligans who had caused trouble for Su Ziji’s establishment.
• News arrives that the third prince of the neighboring Kingdom of Ying has staged a coup, killed the prime minister, and become regent, likely to seize the throne.
• Su Ziji and his advisers recognize that the coup could affect Great Zheng despite Ying being a small frontier kingdom. The sudden change in leadership and the possibility of outside forces manipulating events make the situation worth monitoring.
• Jian Qu explains how he dealt with the hooligans: rather than negotiating with them directly, he investigated their family backgrounds and pressured their clan heads.
• Fearing that the hooligans’ actions would bring disaster upon their entire lineages, the clans punished them themselves. Some were crippled, while the most defiant were drowned by their own parents in accordance with clan rules.
• Su Ziji approves of Jian Qu’s strategy, recognizing that it has eliminated the threat without implicating the Dai Marquis Residence in official punishment or public controversy.
• After Jian Qu leaves, the Wild Daoist reports that another task assigned by Su Ziji is nearly complete. Su Ziji instructs him to arrange for the evidence or information to be “discovered” by others.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji demonstrates increasing political awareness and confidence. His cultivation of the Coiling Dragon Heart Method gives him an intuitive sense that the coup in Ying may somehow be connected to him.
• Jian Qu proves himself capable, pragmatic, and politically sophisticated. He understands how to use clan authority and social pressure to solve problems quickly while protecting his lord from repercussions.
• Cen Rubai functions as an informed observer of Capital City politics and helps bring the news of Ying’s coup to Su Ziji’s attention.
• Wild Daoist continues to act as Su Ziji’s covert agent, carrying out secret plans that are approaching completion.

Significant Themes

• Political instability and hidden connections: A seemingly distant coup may have consequences for Great Zheng and may be connected to Su Ziji’s broader struggles.
• Power beyond formal law: Clan authority can be more immediate and effective than the state’s legal system, especially when family reputation and collective punishment are involved.
• Moral ambiguity: The clan punishments are brutal, but they resolve the problem swiftly. Jian Qu and Su Ziji acknowledge that institutions cannot be judged as simply good or bad; their value depends on how they are used.
• Reputation and deterrence: Su Ziji’s household must establish that it cannot be bullied. The punishment of the hooligans serves both to solve the immediate problem and to warn future opponents.
• Indirect manipulation: Su Ziji prefers controlled, covert action, arranging for information to surface naturally rather than exposing his own involvement.

Character Interactions

• Cen Rubai and Jian Qu discuss the coup and recognize that political changes in neighboring states cannot be ignored.
• Jian Qu and Su Ziji review the hooligan incident. Su Ziji listens approvingly as Jian Qu explains his strategy and praises his successful handling of the matter.
• Su Ziji and the Wild Daoist speak privately about a secret operation. Su Ziji’s final instruction reveals that he intends to manipulate how the operation’s results become known.

Prince Qi executed a servant whose failed plot against Su Ziji risked exposing the prince’s involvement, then ordered Wen Xunpeng to infiltrate Su Ziji’s household. At the Dai Marquis Residence, Su Ziji gained experience from an old painting, and the Wild Daoist reported that two of the three men under investigation were vicious.

• Prince Qi had his servant dragged away to be beheaded for carrying out a failed scheme against Su Ziji without permission.
• Sun Bolan proposed finding disloyal former crown prince’s men inside Su Ziji’s ranks, and Prince Qi assigned the task to Wen Xunpeng.
• Su Ziji studied an old painting, gained painting and calligraphy experience, and added a few strokes to the work.
• The Wild Daoist told Su Ziji that Fu Sangyun was cautious, while Duan Yanxing and Zhou Lu were vicious.

Su Ziji used Literary Heart Carving Dragon on Steward Chen and discovered he could influence the steward’s actions. He followed Chen to a teahouse, where Chen unexpectedly met one of Duan Yanxing’s stewards.

• The Wild Daoist told Su Ziji that Duan Yanxing had concealed murder cases and that Zhou Lu had abducted and abused women, so Su Ziji decided to target Duan first.
• Su Ziji arranged to use Steward Chen again, then watched as Chen vomited beside the road after cursing at an ox cart.
• Su Ziji experienced an apparent vision of a dragon desk and wrote an order directing Steward Chen to find Duan Yanxing’s trusted aide.
• The Wild Daoist followed Chen, who changed his mind about visiting a brothel and went to a teahouse instead.
• The Wild Daoist recognized the man sitting beside Chen as a steward of the Duan Residence.

Chapter Summary: “Reporting (Part 1)”

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wild Daoist identifies the burly man in the teahouse as Steward Duan, a trusted clansman and subordinate of Duan Yanxing, a powerful military official in the capital. Steward Duan had previously helped facilitate some of Duan Yanxing’s corrupt activities.
• Su Ziji realizes that the unusual meeting in the Dragon Palace may have been connected to his Literary Heart Carving Dragon technique or the Coiling Dragon Heart Method, possibly allowing him to influence fate.
• After Su Ziji activates the technique, Steward Duan unexpectedly begins chatting with Steward Chen, Prince Qi’s steward. The two become acquainted naturally, without Su Ziji directly intervening.
• Su Ziji refuses Wild Daoist’s suggestion to manipulate the interaction further, believing that additional interference would leave traces. He prefers to let events develop on their own, like wine fermenting.
• Feeling dizzy and unwell, Su Ziji orders Wild Daoist to return home with him.
• Steward Chen leaves the teahouse delighted, believing he has created a valuable connection between Prince Qi and Duan Yanxing. He immediately goes to report the matter to Prince Qi.
• After confirming that Prince Qi is in a tolerable mood, Steward Chen enters the main courtyard. The princess consort tactfully takes their sleepy son away, allowing the steward to report privately.
• Steward Chen explains how he met someone connected to Duan Yanxing and insists that the encounter was completely accidental.
• Prince Qi initially doubts the story but gradually accepts it. He reasons that Duan Yanxing would have no obvious motive to contact him directly: he is powerful, favored by the Emperor, and has no need to gamble on a political faction.
• Prince Qi rejects the possibilities that the meeting was either a deliberate trap or a desperate political gamble. He begins wondering whether the encounter represents Heaven’s Mandate favoring him.
• Despite the risks, the potential advantage of having Duan Yanxing’s people support him makes Prince Qi reluctant to abandon the opportunity.

Character Developments

• Su Ziji demonstrates increasing mastery and understanding of his supernatural techniques. He suspects that Literary Heart Carving Dragon can subtly alter fate, but remains cautious about testing its limits.
• Wild Daoist continues to act as Su Ziji’s loyal observer and assistant, recognizing the significance of the meeting and offering to influence events further.
• Steward Chen is revealed to be ambitious, opportunistic, and deeply invested in Prince Qi’s success. He interprets his chance meeting with Steward Duan as a major political achievement and hopes to gain rewards and status.
• Prince Qi shows political intelligence and caution. He carefully evaluates whether the contact is genuine, a trap, or an improbable gift from Heaven. His ambition ultimately makes him consider accepting the risk.
• The princess consort displays tact and awareness by removing herself and the young heir when she realizes Steward Chen has important private business to discuss.

Significant Themes

• Fate and manipulation: Su Ziji’s techniques may influence events indirectly, raising questions about whether fate can be altered and whether supernatural power or destiny is guiding political developments.
• Political ambition and risk: Prince Qi must decide whether the possible support of a powerful military figure is worth the danger of appearing involved in factional intrigue.
• Coincidence versus design: The meeting appears accidental, but Su Ziji’s intervention suggests that seemingly natural events may have been carefully shaped.
• Power and opportunism: Steward Chen sees even a casual acquaintance as a chance to advance himself through Prince Qi’s political fortunes.
• Heaven’s Mandate: Prince Qi interprets the unlikely encounter as possible evidence that destiny favors his claim to the throne.

Important Character Interactions

• Su Ziji and Wild Daoist: They discuss whether to manipulate the meeting further; Su Ziji insists on restraint and allowing events to unfold naturally.
• Steward Duan and Steward Chen: Their casual conversation creates the political connection that drives the chapter’s central development.
• Steward Chen and the residence guards: Friendly relations with the guards help him determine Prince Qi’s mood before seeking an audience.
• Steward Chen and Prince Qi: Chen reports the encounter and presents it as a potentially valuable link to Duan Yanxing.
• Prince Qi and the princess consort: Their brief family moment is interrupted by Chen’s arrival, though the princess consort discreetly withdraws to facilitate the discussion.